A Senator and a Representative from Michigan; born in Gladwin, Mich., April 29, 1950; graduated, Clare High School; B.A., Michigan State University, East Lansing 1972; M.S.W. magna cum laude, Michigan State University, 1975; social worker; leadership training consultant; Ingham County commissioner 1975-1978; member, State house of representatives 1979-1990; member, State senate 1991-1994; elected as a Democrat to the One Hundred Fifth and One Hundred Sixth Congresses (January 3, 1997-January 3, 2001); was not a candidate for reelection to the House of Representatives in 2000, but was elected to the United States Senate for the term commencing January 3, 2001; reelected in 2006 and again in 2012 for the term ending January 3, 2019; Democratic Conference secretary (2005-2007); Democratic Policy Committee vice-chair (One Hundred Twelfth Congress); chair, Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (One Hundred Twelfth and One Hundred Thirteenth Congresses).